# World War II documentary launches

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/world-war-ii-documentary-launches
> Updated: 2026-08-07T21:44:01.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

In early July 2026, the US History Channel announced a three‑part miniseries, *Modern Marvels: WWII*, with the first episode “Super Weapons” airing on 27 July and the remaining two (“Mega Builds” and “Gears and Gadgets”) on 3 August. French broadcaster Histoire TV scheduled its six‑part series *Les batailles mythiques de la Seconde Guerre mondiale* to begin on 30 July, each 45‑minute episode revisiting key battles such as Dunkirk, D‑Day and Pearl Harbor.

On 27 July, the History Channel launched a 20‑episode nightly series, *World War II with Tom Hanks*, narrated and executive‑produced by the actor. Produced over more than a decade, the series combines digitally restored archival footage, rare audio, veteran and civilian testimonies, and expert analysis to cover the rise of the Axis, the Holocaust, major battles, code‑breaking and the war’s geopolitical legacy. As of early August, the series' upcoming episodes include coverage of Operation Overlord and various battles in the Asian theater.

In August, the channel added a Brazil‑wide “Watch and Win” promotion, inviting viewers to scan QR codes during episodes, answer weekly quizzes and submit an essay for a chance to win prizes such as an iPhone 17. The contest runs through 31 August.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Television networks announce new programming and documentary series

Broadcasters highlight new content, including Record's Sunday lineup in Brazil via RecordPlus and History Channel's new World War II documentary series featuring Tom Hanks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/television-networks-announce-new-programming-and-documentary-series

### 2026-08-05: History Channel rolls out new WWII documentary series narrated by Tom Hanks

History debuts new Tom Hanks‑narrated WWII documentary series and launches a Brazilian “Watch and Win” contest offering an iPhone 17 and Kindles as prizes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/history-channel-rolls-out-new-wwii-documentary-series-narrated-by-tom-hanks

### 2026-07-24: Tom Hanks narrates new World War II documentary series on History channel

History will debut a 20‑episode World War II documentary narrated by Tom Hanks on July 27, 2026, featuring restored footage, survivor testimonies and expert analysis of key battles and events.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/history-channel-launches-new-wwii-documentary-episodes-narrated-by-tom-hanks

### 2026-07-02: History Channel and Histoire TV Launch New World War II Documentary Series

History Channel’s Modern Marvels: WWII miniseries and France’s Histoire TV launch six‑part WWII battle series, both debuting in late July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/history-channel-and-histoire-tv-launch-new-world-war-ii-documentary-series

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Cite as: World War II documentary launches. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/world-war-ii-documentary-launches